How a Honeysuckle Bush Hurts the Ecosystem
Honeysuckle bushes are known for their delicate flowers and fragrant aroma, as well as the tasty nectar created in their flowers. While pretty, honeysuckle bushes actually have a negative impact on the naturally functioning ecosystem in the areas they invade. Honeysuckle bushes have an effect on vegetative life, animal food sources and the reproductive process of flowers and plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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According to Nature Hills Nursery, almost 200 types of honeysuckle exist throughout the world today. Despite this large variety, only 20 types of honeysuckle bushes are actually considered native to North America. Foreign plants were introduced into the region from Asia, primarily for decorative purposes. While native honeysuckle is harmless, the imported species of honeysuckle is extremely invasive and has a detrimental effect on the ecosystem in the areas it occupies.
Types
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The most common invasive types of honeysuckle include the Morrows Honeysuckle, the Japanese Honeysuckle and the Amur Honeysuckle. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, invasive honeysuckle is referred to as "bush honeysuckle" because of the shorter and straighter appearance of this plant in relation to native honeysuckle. The bushlike appearance allows foreign honeysuckle to be easily distinguished from native honeysuckle, which is considerably more vinelike in appearance.
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Effects on Vegetation Growth
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Honeysuckle grows very quickly and is able to survive in many different types of habitats. According to the Illinois Natural History Survey, prairies, savannas, glades, forests, barrens and wetlands are all vulnerable to the non-native honeysuckle plant. As the honeysuckle spreads and grows larger, the bush shields underlying native plants and shrubs from the sun. As the rapid growth cycle continues, underlying plants are smothered by the honeysuckle, and eventually, the herbaceous layer is fully eradicated from the area.
Disruption of Animal Migration
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Honeysuckle is able to affect the entire food chain of invaded areas. According to the Illinois Natural History Survey, the diminished amount of vegetation created by invasive honeysuckle discourages the natural eating patterns of various animals. The honeysuckle eliminates certain plants and wildflowers, and in turn, the food supply for many species of birds and wildlife decreases. When seeds are unavailable, the number of birds and other wildlife in the area declines. Consequently, this decline also has an effect on larger animals who rely on birds and smaller animals as prey.
Interference with Plant Reproduction
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Trees and plants rely on birds as the primary distributors of seeds for regeneration. When there is a scarcity of birds in a specific area due to a lack of food, there is also a limited number of seeds being spread on the ground. Additionally, according to the Forest Invasive Plants Resource Center, as a thick mass of honeysuckle covers the ground, it stifles the germination of new seedlings and prevents the growth of saplings. The reduced number of new trees often leads to a forest becoming very thin, with little cover at the top. This disruption in seed distribution and germination also creates a disproportionate amount of one type of plant in relation to another, creating an imbalance in natural plant life.
Prevention/Solution
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Honeysuckle does not have a natural means of prevention, and human intervention is the only way to eliminate the bushes. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, controlled fires will kill the bush seasonally, but the honeysuckle will eventually reemerge, making yearly fires a necessity. Herbicide treatments are also effective, as well as manually pulling the seedlings and roots of the honeysuckle bush from the ground.
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References
- Photo Credit Honeysuckle image by StylezInk from Fotolia.com
